Thousands of people turned out on Thursday to pay tribute and burry Malawi’s veteran football administrator Hastings Kapenuka at Katimba Cemetery in Limbe, next to Limbe CCAP Church where he was an elder.

Kapenuka, who served in several influential football positions, died at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Malawi’s commercial city, Blantyre, after a short illness on Tuesday afternoon.

Thousands of mourners from all walks of life paid their last respects to the renowned football administrator.

Several speakers, including football administrator McCollings Chibvunde bemoaned the death of the former Admarc Tigers defender, Telecom Wanderers team manager, chairperson for the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) and the Southern Region Football League (SRFL).

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said Kapenuka was a unique figure in football administration.

“He was a special person,” said grief striken Nyamilandu.

Preachers at the funeral asked those gathered to “mourn the loss and celebrate the life” of Kapenuka.

Apart from serving as team manager for Mighty Wanderers and chairperson of the SRFL, Kapenuka served as FAM executive member and he was once president of the Super League of Malawi.

He also played as a left-back for Admarc Tigers [now Azam Tigers] in the 1990s.

FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu (L) leading current and former football officials (2nd L-R) David Kanyenda, Trouble Kalua, Henry Chibowa and Gaston Mwenelupembe in laying wreaths on Kapenuka’s grave.-.Photo Jeromy Kadewere

‘Revered’ Kapenuka: Laid to rest

Kapenuka’s white and gold plated casket being carried at the cemetery…Photo Jeromy Kadewere

The wife to Hastings Kapenuka laying her wreath….Photo Jeromy Kadewere

Football Association of Malawi President Walter Nyamilandu and other football official Hebert Mfune (L) and Trouble Kalua was present to pay his last respect…..Photo Jeromy Kadewere

Former Sulom President Henry Kaka Chibowa was also present with Gaston Mwenelupembe….Photo Jeromy Kadewere

The clergy who led the solemn eremony …Photo Jeromy Kadewere

Some of the congregation who attended the funeral ceremony…..Photo Jeromy Kadewere

In tears after laying their wreath…Photo Jeromy Kadewere

A relative to Kapenuka in tears…Photo Jeromy Kadewere

One of the relatives in tears after laying her wreath….Photo Jeromy Kadewere